5 Win Wednesday - Win 2 Wild Night Wicked

Towering over his rivals, Wild Night (3 g Vanbrugh - Supreme, by Falkirk) made a very promising start to his racing career in the $14,000 Maiden 3YO 1200 metres on Waharoa Race Day at Matamata.

He came out of a good race when he made up plenty, from last, finishing sixth on debut in the Maiden 3YO 1200 metres on 27 August at Te Rapa - and on Wednesday Wild Night made the necessary improvement in order to win.

Squeezed out early before recovering to trail, rider Opie Bosson took advantage of an inside run approaching the home turn and Wild Night established a winning break mid-straight.

On Heavy10 footing, in the race sponsored by Transport Mechanical Waharoa, Wild Night ran 1200 metres in 1:15.8, last 600m in 37.8, and paid $1.90 & $1.30 on the NZ TAB tote.

Finishing third in the race was stable-mate and debutante Family Ties (Contributer).

“He's a big scopey horse and it was good win,” said trainer Mark Walker. “He's got a lovely big action and I think he'll be even better on a firmer track.

“But, he was impressive today and I think the form out of the race will be very strong.”

Wild Night was purchased as a yearling by David Ellis CNZM for $50,000 at the Karaka 2021 Book 1 Sale, from the draft of Windsor Park Stud, and is owned by Te Akau Love to Party Racing Partnership (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM).

On course to represent the owners, Te Akau Marketing Manager Julia-Rose Hayes (nee Ellis) said: “We liked this horse at the sales and we've got two of the owners here, from Hawkes Bay involved in their first horse with Te Akau alongside their partners Kate and Maddie so it's a pretty special win. It's an awesome ownership group with 10 of my close friends so we're thrilled to win second up and are looking forward to many more celebrations trackside".

The aforementioned: Angus Schaw who was over at Mount Maunganui for the Central Districts cricket team coincidentally had the afternoon off to pop over the hill to Matmata and Hamish Lewis were understandably elated with the result and said it made for a great tonic after their beloved Hawkes Bay Magpies lost the Ranfurly Shield last weekend to Wellington.

Wild Night is from the second crop of Group One winner (Spring Champion Stakes, 2000m) and dual Group Three winner (1800m & 2000m) Vanbrugh, by sire of sires Encosta de Lago (Fairy King).

The Spring Champion Stakes, a stallion making race, was also won by Savabeel (Zabeel) and Dundeel (High Chaparral).

Wild Night is a half-brother to Play That Song (Showcasing), Group Two winner and Karaka Million 2YO runner-up.

At the time of purchase, Ellis said: ““He's a really nice colt. We thought he was very good value at the price and we were prepared to take a chance on well-bred young sire Vanbrugh.

“His grand-dam, Maxamore (Volksraad), was a really good filly that won the Matamata Breeders' Stakes (Gr. 2, 1200m).”

Wild Night was strapped by Reece Trumper.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz